As If Dreaming When You're Wide Awake

Description

Is a deeply moving first-person narrative game that explores mental health struggles through the eyes of Matthew, a teenager whose life takes a dramatic turn. Despite appearing to have everything—a supportive family, loyal friends, and a promising future—Matthew battles inner voices that tell him he's unworthy. As schizophrenia takes hold, his ambitions crumble, and his journey becomes a poignant reflection on depression, identity, and resilience. Players step into Matthew's world, experiencing his broken hopes, emotional conflicts, and the weight of judgment. The game offers an immersive, stylized 3D environment where interactions with objects, characters, and voice-acted dialogue bring his story to life. A beautifully crafted banda sonora complements the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth. Developed by a team of former students from Bandung, Indonesia, the project balances personal passion with technical skill. Key contributors include Andreas Andika (technical direction), Chandrika N. Dewi (art direction), M. Irfan Permadi (programming), Mira Wardhaningsih.